One advantage of transferring ballots is that it enables the votes of several aligned candidates to accumulate, so that diverse but related interests can be combined to win representation. The Alternative Vote (AV) also enables supporters of candidates who have little hope of being elected to influence, via their second and later preferences, the election of a major candidate. For this reason, it is sometimes argued that AV is the best system for dealing with elections in deeply divided societies, as it can compel candidates to seek not only the votes of their own supporters but also the 'second preferences' of others (see Papua New Guinea).

To attract these preferences, candidates must make broadly-based, centrist appeals to all interests, and not focus on narrower sectarian or extremist issues. The experience of AV in the relatively stable social environment of Australia has also tended to support these arguments. The major parties, for example, typically try to strike bargains with minor parties for the second preferences of their supporters prior to an election - a process known as 'preference swapping'. Furthermore, because of the majority support requirement, AV increases the consent given to elected members, and thus can enhance their perceived legitimacy.